By Mark Constance
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – The Santa Train is coming to Roscommon, Grayling, West Branch and Standish.
Lake State Railway has been gracious enough bring the train back to Northeast Michigan, and plans to roll in Dec. 11.
Lake State Spokesperson Shasta Duffy is excited about the opportunity to bring Santa back to the community’s historic railroad depots.
“This is a great event and we’re excited to be able to sponsor it,” Duffy said. “Santa and Mrs. Claus with exit the train and enter the depots to meet with the children. And the old-time cartoon characters will be mingling with the crowd. It’s something we all look forward to.”
Locations and times of the Santa Train include:
Grayling – 9:30-11 a.m. at the Crawford County Historical Society Railroad Depot
Roscommon – 12:30-2 p.m. at the AuSable River Center
West Branch – 3:30-5 p.m. at the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce depot
Standish – 6:15-7:45 p.m. at the Standish Railroad Depot.
Duffy said the due to COVID restrictions, children will not be able to board the trains this year. Masks are recommended inside the depots. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the Roscommon and Grayling sites.
Community organizations currently assisting with Santa’s visit include: Grayling Rotary Club, Roscommon Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Roscommon Model Railroad Club, Crawford County Historical Society, West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, and Roscommon Area Recreation Authority. Tammy Mangini has volunteered to sing Christmas carols with the Roscommon families waiting to see Santa.
Up North Voice and AuSable Media worked with Lake State Railway, and Roscommon and Crawford County officials on planning and logistics for the start of the event.
Note: Times and COVID restrictions are subject to change.
